Mayor Berke said, “Over the last several months, we have reoriented City Hall to be relentlessly focused on results. Under Jeff’s leadership, I am confident we will expand our efforts to make City Hall more innovative and effective.

“Jeff has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of city government and will incorporate his expertise as chief innovation officer to lead each department towards greater efficiency, while making local government more open to citizens. Jeff has worked closely with each administrator, and I have no doubt he will take my vision for the community and translate it into results.”

As a dual COO/CIO, Mr. Cannon "will work closely with each department to ensure city functions are maximized for greater efficiency to provide better services for taxpayer dollars."

“I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of individuals throughout the City,” said Jeff Cannon. “From the strong financial backgrounds of CFO Daisy Madison and Deputy COO Brent Goldberg to the long-time experience of Fire Chief Flint and Public Works Administrator Lee Norris, the dedication of our leadership team is truly inspiring. I look forward to working with each of them to improve services for our constituents.”

Prior to his appointment to the Berke administration, Mr. Cannon served as executive director of Green|Spaces and spent seven years in the construction industry, including five years as a project manager for EMJ, one of the Southeast’s largest construction management companies.

Working alongside Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprises (CNE), River City Company, Lyndhurst Foundation, the city of Chattanooga, and others, Mr. Cannon helped lead the revitalization of Southside - from the residential renewal of the Fort Negley and Jefferson Heights neighborhoods to the commercial transformation of Main Street, it was stated.

“Jeff showed excellent leadership through the formation and daily operations of Green|Spaces,” said John Straussberger, owner of The Strauss Company and founding chairman of Green|Spaces. “From the complex financial aspects of handling a multi-million dollar budget to the expert management of intricate projects with various stakeholders, I was consistently impressed with Jeff’s ability to turn the organization's vision into reality.”

Mr. Cannon is a 2005 graduate of Leadership Chattanooga and was chosen as a Marshall Memorial Fellow in 2009.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday. Senator Lamar Alexander said, after attending, “Israel is one of our greatest allies, and our relationship is especially critical during these dangerous times in the Middle East. It’s important for Congress and the American people to hear from such strong ... (click for more)

The Dalton Police Department will be assisting the Norfolk Southern Police Department with a trespasser abatement initiative on Wednesday and Thursday. The effort in Dalton is one of six such initiatives that the NSPD is planning in different areas of the country. The program is intended to raise awareness of the dangers of trespassing on railroad property and reduce instances ... (click for more)

Tennessee needs health care reform. Expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, or "Obamacare," was not the best solution for Tennesseans. That is why the vast majority of Tennessee legislators never publicly supported the plan defeated in a special legislative session in February. It is important to distinguish health care from health insurance. As one physician ... (click for more)

I am deeply saddened that over two dozen members of Congress – all Democrats – will be boycotting a speech by Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, when he speaks in Washington tonight. I am also offended that the President of the United States will not receive Netanyahu prior to the speech – a customary gesture on such occasions – because he claims it is too close to ... (click for more)

There just must be something about playing basketball at Chattanooga State that makes the Central Purple Pounders click. Especially when the opponent is the Brainerd Panthers. Facing Brainerd for the fifth time this season and second at Chattanooga State on Monday night, the Purple Pounders defeated the Panthers for the third time. The latest conquest may have ... (click for more)

LAS VEGAS – The Lee University men’s golf team placed seventh in a field of 16 teams at the Las Vegas Desert Classic. After posting a round of 302 on Sunday the Flames finished with a 301 on Monday and will return to Cleveland with a 603 total in the 36-hole event staged at the Palute Golf Club-Snow Mountain. The University of the Redlands (Calif.), placed by ... (click for more)